The Humanitas Federation has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the financial terms of the new Cooperation Agreements signed last week between the state and representative entities of the social and solidarity sector for 2025-2026. The Federation criticized the agreements for the minimal increase of 4.9% in most Cooperation Agreements, which represent the financial contributions the state provides to institutions for their services.
Criticism was also directed at the “insignificant 1.1% increase” for Centers for Activities and Capacity Building for Inclusion. The Federation noted the lack of updates in funding for the Center for Attendance, Follow-up and Social Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities and Incapacity, Family Support and Parental Counseling Centers, Early Intervention services, Shared Apartments, and Home Support Services.
The institution highlighted that the increase, determined by a mathematical formula considering human resources and current expenses, will not enable institutions to meet present challenges or transition to a new support paradigm required of them.
The Portuguese Federation for Mental Disabilities described the agreement as conservative, doing nothing to alleviate the persistent financial difficulties faced by social institutions over recent years.
The Federation emphasized the necessity for substantial changes to enhance services for vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for more professional care rooted in a stable workforce.
It stressed the importance of providing professionals with equitable remuneration comparable to other sectors, a need unmet by the current agreement.
Humanitas also urged the state to honor the other measures outlined in the Commitment, contrasting with previous agreements where certain clauses were consistently deferred.
The ongoing issue of funding for Inclusion Resource Centers was highlighted, with unfinished work receiving sporadic and non-transparent funding increases from the state.
The institution also pointed out changes to Decree No. 70/2021, regulating the operation and facilities of Centers for Activities and Capacity Building for Inclusion, and the 15% increase in home care for areas with low population density.
